Agenda - Council - 03/28/2017 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Mr. Mareck reviewed the regional transportation plan, which takes into account the local population. He added the plan shows that Highways 10 and 47 are major growth corridors, with significant growth on Bunker Lake Boulevard as well. Mr. Bauer stated the 4-lane highways are both at maximum capacity for daily counts. He asked how that can be addressed at the regional level. Mr.Mareck stated the transportation plan identifies and attempts to address facilities that are under-sized, and develops strategies to determine priorities for which corridors are important to address first. He added the plan also reviews infrastructure problems, funding sources, and possible solutions. Mr. Mareck stated the first issue to be addressed is funding, and Mn/DOT has possible sources of funding available for Highway 47 improvements, and discussions are under way with Anoka County as well. He added the whole corridor will be assessed, including volumes, safety issues, congestion and increased access. Mr. Breuer stated, in terms of securing funding, traffic safety and efficient traffic flow are important issues and should be a good place to start. Mr. Westby stated Mn/DOT focuses on channelizing and restricting access. Mr. Mareck agreed, adding railroad crossings and frontage roads are also a high priority for Mn/DOT. Mr. Bauer asked whether a possible bridge connection collaboration could be discussed with Andover. Mr. Mareck stated that could be suggested to Andover and Anoka County, although a "wish list" prioritization of projects needs to be determined. Ms. Roering stated the Mississippi River crossing should stay in the Comprehensive Plan so it remains a focus, and as residents feel strongly about it. Mr. Ouelette agreed, adding it will show that the City is pursuing plans for a river bridge, and the Comprehensive Plan should show a specific location. Mr. Gladhill stated that will be shown under the Armstrong Boulevard improvements. Ms. Roering stated it would be interesting to show what the east/west connector options are. She added that is an issue that residents are talking about. There was consensus among the Committee members that inclusion of east/west connector plans is an important goal for the 2040 Comprehensive Plan. Mr. Mareck stated there is currently not an overall non-motorized trails map of the City and the COR. He added a separate marked bike lane should be considered,including paved shoulders and sidewalks, with pedestrian overpasses, and there should be a pedestrian crossing near the civic center. He noted other cities are currently doing "multi-modal" reviews of bike paths, and developing trails plans that are destination-based. 2040 Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee/March 13, 2017 Page 4 of 7